By Vladimir Remmer The world financial equilibrium was devastated in 2006 when the US housing market bubble finally burst. Real Estate prices plummeted, wiping out securities tied to housing and striking financial institutions globally. The human toll was staggering and manifested in mass evictions, bankruptcies and foreclosures, combined with catastrophic job market contraction and prolonged unemployment. The consumer wealth adjustment, estimated to be trillions of US dollars, inhibited economic activity throughout most of the world and led to the 2008...

By James Mackney @JimMackney Going into yesterday's opening clash I thoroughly expected to get hit for a cricket score despite Liverpool being a Suarez down. In actuality this was far from the truth and Saints gave a thoroughly good account of themselves with a high pressing and near-polished performance. The front line of Tadić, Pellé and Ward-Prowse are in an embryonic state but there were flashes of link up play that suggest that it will not take long for them...

Soho is awash with a new generation of what I'd call 'accessible gastronomic' bars, cafes and restaurants. If you're a traditionalist who prefers food to be served on a plate and Prosecco served from the bottle it's probably not a place for you - although your conservatism has probably kept you away from the area for some time - but if a bit of non-conformity tickles your taste buds, you're in for a treat. Homeslice is typical of Soho's new...

By Felipe Mattei,  @FelipeMatteiOil Be honest, have you never secretly considered giving acting a try? Wondered how it would be like to star in a movie? But then only to let your dream deflate against the hard truth that it’s just too risky to try. But what if there was a way to start acting without leaving your job or studies? Would you finally give it a shot? I found the time to start my acting career in London without having...

By David Edwards  The home game against Palace saw Arsenal fans suffer the switchback of emotions common to football fans the world over. Some tidy pre-season transfer business and a trophy of sorts are enough to convince you that this is the season when we really are going to go for it. Ten minutes of sharp possession play whet the appetite, and then the passing and movement gets more stodgy, and after half an hour Palace score from their first...

Newcastle United’s season kicks off today against Manchester City and to celebrate we were going to do a top ten quotes from a current member of Newcastle’s staff, but Stephen Taylor’s “musings” aside, there isn’t much to go at. So here is Geordie legend Sir Bobby Robson’s top ten quotes, enjoy. RIP Bobby. 10. "When Gazza was dribbling, he used to go through a minefield with his arm, a bit like you go through a supermarket." 9. "Look at those...

By David de Winter - Sports Editor It seems only yesterday that the World Cup finished in Brazil.  That month-long feast of football was indeed a wonderful way to spend one’s summer getting acquainted with one’s sofa, but no sooner had Mario Götze’s volley hit the back of Sergio Romero’s net than the footballing public were getting bombarded with transfer gossip, pre-season friendlies and Louis Van Gaal.  Now I like football as much as the next chap but I can’t help...

By Joe Mellor, Deputy Editor Viva Fidel! Cuba celebrated Castro's 88th birthday yesterday and he famously survived 638 assassination attempts – the Americans tried so many ways that they had to get creative. Here are his top 10 assassination attempts 1. Poisoned milkshake. The attempt went wrong when the pill stuck to the freezer where the waiter-assassin at the Havana Hilton was supposed to retrieve it. When he tried to unstick it, the capsule ripped open. 2. Mafia – 1st...

By Steve Taggart Make now the time to change your life for the better and reach your optimal health. Take a break and escape on holiday to reach your own personal goals, whether to get fit, lose weight, stop smoking, learn to surf, beat insomnia or learn to dance. Here, wellness holiday experts Health and Fitness Travel round up the top 10 self-improving wellness holidays to enhance your life. Get fit in Ibiza - 38° North Ibiza Optimal Fitness Group...